Quadri opens ITTF showdown in Doha against Brazil’s Ishiy
As the table tennis world gears up for the 2025 ITTF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, from May 17 to 25, all eyes in Africa are on one man—Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri. Africa’s top-ranked male table tennis player once again shoulders the hopes of a continent as he embarks on another campaign at the sport’s most […]
poster boy of nigerian table tennis, aruna quadri
As the table tennis world gears up for the 2025 ITTF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, from May 17 to 25, all eyes in Africa are on one man—Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri.
Africa’s top-ranked male table tennis player once again shoulders the hopes of a continent as he embarks on another campaign at the sport’s most prestigious event. Despite facing a challenging first-round draw against Brazil’s Victor Ishiy, Quadri remains the cornerstone of Africa’s growing influence in global table tennis.
The return of the World Championships to Doha sees the city as it is set to host the tournament at the Lusail Arena and Qatar University Sports Complex.
Aruna’s draw against Victor Ishiy is symbolic of the uphill battle African players face, but it’s also an opportunity for the Nigerian to reaffirm his place among the world’s elite. Known for his blistering forehand, tactical intelligence, and unwavering composure under pressure, Quadri has consistently defied the odds and will once again be Africa’s standard-bearer on the global stage.
Beyond Quadri, other African stars were handed tough openers. Egypt’s Omar Assar faces Croatia’s Frane Kojic, while Mohamed El-Beiali squares off against Sweden’s Anton Kallberg.
Nigeria’s Muiz Adegoke and Matthew Kuti also have challenging fixtures, as does Olajide Omotayo, who will take on Brazil’s Leonardo Iizuka. In the women’s singles, Egypt’s Hana Goda, Dina Meshref, and Nigeria’s Hope Udoaka and Fatimo Bello are among those facing world-class opponents in their bid to progress beyond the opening round.